When you think of a coffee cart, espresso drinks usually come to mind: lattes, cappuccinos, americanos, and maybe the occasional mocha. But one of the quiet favorites on our menu, especially for non-coffee drinkers, is the London Fog drink. It’s cozy, it’s aromatic, and it’s one of those drinks that surprises guests when they first try it.
At Carmel Coffee Catering, we’ve noticed London Fogs becoming increasingly popular at weddings, showers, and corporate events. People who don’t drink coffee often still want a warm, café-style beverage in hand, and the London Fog is the perfect fit. In this post, we’ll explore what a London Fog latte is, why it’s so well-loved, the variations you can try, and why it deserves a place on your next event’s coffee cart menu.
What Is a London Fog?
The London Fog drink is essentially an Earl Grey tea latte. It combines three main London Fog ingredients:
- Earl Grey tea – a black tea flavored with bergamot, which gives it that distinctive citrusy, floral taste.
- Steamed milk – frothed just like you would for a latte or cappuccino.
- Vanilla syrup – the sweet, creamy element that balances out the strong tea base.
Put simply, the London Fog latte is tea dressed up like coffee. It’s warm, frothy, and feels just as indulgent as an espresso drink, without being coffee.
The drink is thought to have originated in Vancouver in the 1990s, when a customer asked for steamed milk and vanilla in her Earl Grey. The name “London Fog” likely comes from its cozy, misty vibe rather than any UK origins.
Why People Love London Fog Drinks
So why has the London Fog latte earned a loyal following?
- It’s a coffee shop staple. Most modern cafés carry it, so people recognize it.
- Lower caffeine. Compared to espresso, the caffeine level is gentler — great for afternoon or evening events when people don’t want to be wired all night.
- Great for non-coffee drinkers. Some guests skip coffee altogether. A London Fog gives them something warm and special to order.
- Customizable. The base recipe is flexible. Want it floral? Add lavender. Want it richer? Try honey or brown sugar.
For events, it’s often the hidden favorite. People try it because they’re curious, and by the end of the party, they’ve ordered two.
London Fog Variations You’ll Want to Try
The classic London Fog recipe is just Earl Grey, milk, and vanilla, but the variations are where it gets fun — especially when building a menu for guests.
- Lavender London Fog. Adding lavender syrup or buds creates an elevated, floral twist. This one is especially popular at bridal showers and weddings.
- Honey London Fog. Sub honey for vanilla syrup to get a naturally sweet, earthy drink.
- Maple London Fog. A Canadian twist using real maple syrup instead of vanilla.
- Iced London Fog Latte. Perfect for summer events, this chilled version brings the same creamy comfort with a refreshing edge.
- Royal Fog. Made with oat milk and a splash of brown sugar syrup, it is a vegan-friendly, decadent variation.
These London Fog variations are easy to incorporate on a custom coffee cart menu. At Carmel Coffee Catering, we often suggest featuring one or two “signature drinks,” and a Lavender London Fog has been a hit for clients who want something unique.
Benefits of Choosing a London Fog at Your Event
Coffee bars are often the highlight of weddings, corporate events, and parties — but not everyone drinks coffee. That’s where the London Fog shines.
1. Great for Afternoon and Evening Events
Unlike espresso, which can pack a punch of caffeine, a London Fog has about half the caffeine of a cup of coffee. It’s enough to perk you up, but not enough to keep you tossing and turning after your event.
2. Easy Plant-Based Option
Many of our guests request oat milk or almond milk. London Fogs are particularly forgiving when made with non-dairy milks, and the flavors of Earl Grey pair well with oat milk’s natural sweetness.
3. Elegant & Cozy Vibe
The name itself — “London Fog” — feels refined. Guests love ordering it because it sounds elegant, and it looks just as pretty in a latte cup as a cappuccino.
4. Inclusive Option
Not drinking coffee, or avoiding alcohol? A London Fog is the perfect alternative, making every guest feel like there’s something special for them.
How We Serve London Fogs on the Coffee Cart
On our coffee cart, we prepare a London Fog just like a latte:
- Brew a strong shot of Earl Grey tea concentrate.
- Steam milk (whole or oat) until it’s velvety and frothy.
- Add vanilla syrup (we use Monin for its natural flavor).
- Pour and top with a little foam.
For events, we often include the London Fog on the featured drinks menu, especially when clients want to offer something that appeals to tea drinkers. Many guests order it once they see it listed, and it usually becomes one of the surprise hits of the event.
Can You Make a London Fog at Home
Absolutely! Here’s a quick London Fog recipe for the home barista:
- Steep 1 Earl Grey tea bag in ½ cup hot water for 3–5 minutes.
- Steam or froth ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy).
- Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla syrup.
- Combine and enjoy.
To upgrade your London Fog drink, try lavender syrup, honey, or maple. If you’re experimenting with flavors, check out our guide to latte syrups where we review some of the best bottled options for at-home use.
If you’re short on time or tend to make a lot of them, we highly recommend this black tea concentrate to be able to make London Fogs quickly: Narvon Tea Concentrate.
Frequently Asked Questions About London Fogs
Does a London Fog have caffeine?
Yes, but less than coffee. One cup of Earl Grey has about 40–60mg caffeine, while an espresso shot has around 64mg.
Is a London Fog sweet?
Traditionally, yes, thanks to the vanilla syrup. But you can adjust sweetness to your preference.
Can a London Fog drink be iced?
Yes, an iced London Fog is refreshing and perfect for summer.
Does it always use vanilla?
Not always. Honey, maple, or lavender are popular substitutes.
Is a London Fog healthy?
It can be lighter than coffee, especially if made with non-dairy milk like almond milk and natural sweeteners for less calories. Earl Grey tea also has antioxidants from the black tea base.
Why You Should Feature London Fogs at Your Event
The London Fog latte is more than just a tea drink — it’s a way to make every guest feel included. At Carmel Coffee Catering, we’ve seen how it bridges the gap between coffee drinkers and tea lovers, offering something indulgent yet approachable.
Whether it’s a wedding coffee cart, a corporate party, or a baby shower, the London Fog drink adds elegance and comfort. Guests often walk away saying, “I’d never tried that before, but it was amazing.”
If you’re planning an event in Indianapolis or the surrounding area, let’s talk about how we can design a menu that includes this cozy classic. A coffee cart doesn’t just have to serve coffee; it can create moments of discovery and delight.
